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Babies are being weaned on sugary diets

Australian study finds that babies are being fed unhealthy snacks as soon as they start weaning

A new study has found that some babies are being weaned on sugary foods such as biscuits and cakes as early as six months of age.

The researchers, from the Department of Nutrition and Dietetics at Flinders University in Adelaide, Australia, spoke to 587 mums over a 12-month period regularly, reports The Australian.

"Almost one in four mothers had introduced fruit juice, biscuits and cakes to their infants by six months of age,” said Dr Jane Scott, lead researcher of the study.

Scientists have argued that such an early introduction to sugary foods might have harmful long-term effects and could increase the chances of a child becoming obese.

"This is a worry because eating habits that develop early in life usually continue throughout a person's lifetime. An overweight child is much more likely to become an overweight adult," explained Dr Jane.